Tipping contractors

[jamesglewisf]

Got this one by email. Question --I am in the process of having my kitchen floors sanded, buffed and coated with polyurethane. The job is going to take three days. there is one worker here all the time and then the foreman/salesman guy who came to give me the quotation and comes only half the time and is in and out. This guy has hinted that as his worker helped me move furniture to another level and also as he as repaired some "extra cracked" floorboards in the floor ( he gave us a quote on repairing two, but then on the first day of work "found" and additional 3 which I am being charge an additional $80 a pop for)he is hoping we will tip him and the worker generously.

This guy's attitude really bugs me, he has also hinted that he has six children. While I am happy to tip the worker, who is doing most of the work, and doing it neatly and in a very obliging way, I feel resentful towards the foreman.

Please advise what it appropriate tipping etiquette in the circumstances.

[jamesglewisf]

Reply:You really don't need to tip either. If you want to tip the one doing the work, feel free to. I'm sure it will be appreciated. That said, providing refreshments and use of the restroom is plenty.

[jamesglewisf]

Another emailed question - I was wondering about whether I need to tip workers contracted through my homeowners insurance company who are completing floor and wall repairs that are covered under our homeowners policy.

They will have taken 4 days to patch a wall, lay a new vinyl kitchen floor and paint wall/trim.

[jamesglewisf]

Basically the same answer - I don't think it is ever required with contractors. However, if you are wanting to do something nice, you could give them beverages, lunch, or access to your bathroom facilities.